Navigating towards justice: A qualitative scoping review of the literature on how youth programs support the positive development of Black youth

This qualitative scoping review describes practices used in out-of-school programs for Black youth that support their racial-ethnic identity and sociopolitical development. Database searches yielded 321 articles. Inclusion criteria prioritized studies that contained rich descriptions of programs and practices, yielding 28 articles for analysis. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four main practices across programs: (1) Program leaders fostered safe and positive environments and relationships, incorporating culturally and developmentally relevant content that counters deficit messages; (2) Programs connected youth to the cultural Diaspora and a historic legacy of justice-seekers resisting marginalization and oppression; (3) Program activities provided youth explicit opportunities to develop positive identities and explore how historical harms shape their lives; (4) Programs supported youth to build and practice skills that could contribute to their individual success and prepare them to take action for a more just future. Findings specify a framework for research-backed recommendations for out-of-school program practices that support positive Black youth development.